Focus on NSG, black money at India-Switzerland talks

Geneva, June 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Johann Schneider-Amman on Monday led delegation level talks here with the focus on black money and India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Ahead of the talks, Modi and Schneider-Amman held a restricted meeting.

Modi arrived in Switzerland from Qatar on Sunday night on the third leg of his five-nation tour.

Switzerland is an important member of the NSG and India is expected to seek its support for membership in the group.

On the black money issue, India has been in touch with the Swiss government under the mandate of the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) and is waiting for early operationalisation of automatic exchange of information with Switzerland.

Monday’s discussions may also veer around renewable energy and vocational education, sectors Switzerland is strong in.

Modi will also meet with business leaders and interact with Indian researchers on Monday.

Switzerland is India’s fifth largest trade partner and 11th largest investor.

After his engagements in Switzerland, the Prime Minister will proceed to the US later on Monday and on Wednesday to Mexico.